Yang Hongmei claimed her first China LPGA Tour victory on Saturday when the Chinese veteran beat compatriot Li Wei in the third hole of a playoff at the $50,000 Yantai Yangmadao Championship in Shandong province.

After starting the day three shots off the lead, the 33-year-old Yang carded six consecutive pars to finish with a 78 for an aggregate 12-over 228 as the competition faltered around her in the windy but sunny conditions to set up the playoff.

With both players registering par on the first two extra holes at Orient (Yantai) Sports and Country Club's uphill 376-yard 18th hole, Yang's second shot found the green on the third extra hole as Li's attempt was short. The Haikou-based pro, a five-time victor on the old Orient Masters Tour, then sank a 15-foot putt for birdie and the $7,500 winner's purse.

Yang, who had two double-bogey sevens on the two front nine par-fives, said she was surprised to be in the playoff after making the turn at four-over 40.

(China Daily May 26, 2009)